Daisuke Sato wants to bring home the Philippines Football League title to Davao Aguilas FC when he makes his debut for the team.
The Azkals defender said in a press conference at the Inasal Republic in Quezon City yesterday this is a way for him to not only thank the country for giving him a lot of opportunities but also give back to the place where he was born.
Sato made waves in social media after Davao announced his signing last 9 February.
“The Philippines gave me everything. I feel I have the responsibility to give back to the Philippines so I think this is the right time,” the Filipino-Japanese defender said.
“People would tell me that I’m crazy for going here now. This is something that I wanted for a long time: To give back something for the country, especially in football.”
Davao is returning to the league after six years.
With the team’s silver medal finish last year in the 2023 Copa Paulino Alcantara, Sato hopes to finally give the Aguilas their first PFL title since joining in 2017.
“I’m excited because coach Aber (Ruzgal) achieved something big. They almost won the Copa and I saw the club’s big potential. We have a project for the long-term and I want to help it achieve what we want.”
Ruzgal said having Sato’s vast experience should ramp up Davao’s chances.
